DPS Snapshots Show with Natalie B- District Updates for Oct. 10

The Denver Public Schools Podcast

1. Ballot Initiatives for the Healthy School Meals for All Program

This November, Colorado residents will be asked to vote on two ballot initiatives, Proposition LL and Proposition MM, which would provide additional funding needed to sustain the Healthy School Meals for All program. Approved families will not be at risk of losing free meals if voters decide to not increase funding to the Healthy School Meals for All program. This means that if your family is approved for Free and Reduced Lunch, your students will still get free meals, even if voters decide not to give more money to the program.

If voters decide NOT to increase funding for the program, state funding for school meals would be significantly reduced at the end of 2025. At this time, we do not know how much funding the program would lose, but it’s important for families who are not approved for Free and Reduced Lunch to know that it IS possible that free meals will no longer be provided to their students. If voters decide to increase funding to the program, the current free meal program would continue into 2026 and beyond.

2. Learn About Money Skills: Financial Literacy

On Oct. 29 YOU can Learn About Money Skills Online! The webinar will discuss topics like saving, spending, and budgeting, plus share easy ways you can help your student build smart money habits. We’ll end with time for your questions. Register for the Financial Literacy: Learn About Money Skills webinar A Spanish session is being offered on October 27!

3. VOICES of Soul BEATS of Joy

Join the VOICES of Soul BEATS of Joy on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.for a vibrant celebration of student artistry, excellence and community at Lake Middle School. The event will have family workshops, exciting book giveaways, inspiring student poets and performers, plus a free lunch for all attendees. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect, celebrate and support our talented students! You can Register for VOICES of Soul BEATS of Joy by checking out the link in our shownotes.

4. Join Us! Healthy Choices, Bright Futures at Bruce Randolph – Oct. 21

The workshop title “Healthy Choices, Bright Futures” is coming to Bruce Randolph School on October 21 from 5:30–7:00 PM.

Families will hear a powerful story from a mom about fentanyl awareness, learn tools to talk about prevention at home, and connect with community resources. Dinner, childcare, and interpretation will be provided. Families may be eligible to receive gift cards.

You can RSVP to Healthy Choices, Bright Futures via the link in our show notes: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSmOKtpHicaVeq2rFWtCDW1aGBub0oOHnGjF4OkcidqgB9Vw/viewform

5. Fiesta Hispana

Hispanic Heritage Month Video

Students, families, alumni, community members and staff at Swansea Elementary came together to celebrate Fiesta Hispana, one of the school’s most cherished traditions. Students from all grades performed traditional dances from Latin-American countries. The annual event highlights the beauty of Hispanic culture through dance, music and classroom activities that honors the diversity of the Hispanic Community. This year, Swansea is proud to say they had over 500 attendees present to cheer on their student performers.

You can and should watch the recap video of Fiesta Hispana, linked in our shownotes.